From Rebecca Yale Photography... Part one of Sarah and Claude's intimate destination wedding in Santa Monica kicked off with a South of the Border themed welcome dinner as a nod to their Texas roots and shared love of Mexican cuisine. The dinner was held at the Fairmont Miramar where all the guests were staying and the wedding would be taking place the next day. The Bride and Groom wanted all of their guests to have a relaxing evening after a day of travel from all across the country, so Callista of Callista & Co. dreamt up the perfect fiesta on the hotel's Sunset Terrace right on Ocean Avenue.

Sarah and Claude, originally from Texas and now living in New York, spent the afternoon exploring the Santa Monica Pier before heading back to the hotel to welcome their guests for an evening of margaritas and tacos. Pink by Peach created whimsically calligraphed tan and white invitations wrapped in leather which set the fun tone for the evening. Guests were welcomed at the entrance to the Sunset Terrace with a bar filled with a beautiful display of Casa de Perrin goblets and miniature bottles of Casamigos tequila with hand calligraphed tags with each guests name on them, which matched the wedding invitation. A candy bar with Mexican candies was also set up on the dessert table as party favors for guests to take back to their rooms and enjoy during the weekend. High top cocktail tables were set up around the terrace with bright linens and florals with chips, guacamole, and salsa at each table. The Fairmont set up an elaborate buffet station with a taco bar and classic Mexican desserts of churros and flan for dessert. Guests enjoyed their tacos and tequila while the sun set over the Pacific and mariachis playing in the background.